Before I became a licensed aesthetician, my life looked a lot like most people’s: clocking in at 9, clocking out at 5, living for weekends, and quietly dreaming of “someday.” I knew I wanted more—more purpose, more flexibility, and more time doing something I actually loved. Yet I also knew I was about to step into the biggest role of my life: motherhood.
At first, I tried to juggle it all—my “traditional 9–5 job”, being a new mom, and working evenings and weekends at Blush Avenue Salon, slowly building up my esthetics clientele. I was exhausted, yet passionate. Every brow wax or facial reminded me that I was doing what I was meant to do. After a lot of reflection (and a lot of scheduling stress), I decided to take the leap and leave my 9–5. It was scary—however, it allowed me to create a more flexible schedule, be more present with my baby, and fully step into the career I truly wanted.
Today, I run a thriving esthetics business as Jade The Esti, working with skin, brow, and lash clients full-time—on my terms, with the balance between motherhood and career I always dreamed of.
Let me tell you a little bit about how I got here—and share some tips for other moms who are ready to go after their own dreams.
1. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist. I started esthetics school at night (part-time) while I was working full-time, and then started taking clients on the side once I got my license. I was balancing working full-time and taking clients on the side, all while my baby was still napping in 30-minute intervals. It wasn’t easy; however, I realized I could either wait for life to calm down or I could take small, imperfect steps toward the life I truly wanted. Enrolling in aesthetics school at SWINA was my first big leap—and it changed everything.
2. Ask for (and Accept) Support
If you’re a mom, I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to ask for help. Whether it’s a supportive partner, a friend, a grandparent, or a paid sitter, having someone you trust with your child—even for just a few hours—can make all the difference. I made it a point to build a small and strong circle of people who believed in me, and that made it possible for me to show up for my clients with presence and purpose. I would not have been able to make this dream happen without the support of my family! I feel very blessed to have them live so close to me. Finding your circle of support will make all the difference, I promise.
3. Keep Your Vision Front and Center
There were plenty of nights I was up pumping at 3 am and wondering what I had gotten myself into. However, I never let go of the image I held in my heart: being my own boss, helping others feel confident in their skin, and creating a career that could grow alongside my family. That vision pulled me through the hard days and helped me make decisions rooted in my “why.”
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that chasing your dream—especially as a mom—won’t always be neat or easy; it is possible. There’s no perfect time to begin, so take the first step, even if it’s small. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and keep the bigger picture in mind. Whether you're building a business during nap time or studying after bedtime, every effort moves you forward. Your dream is worth pursuing—not only for you, also for the little ones watching you do it.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business, going back to school, or simply carving out more time for your passions, you don’t have to choose between being a present parent and living a purposeful life.
If you’re ready to take your next step, check out the Parent-Friendly Aesthetics Track at Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA), starting August 25th. It’s designed with your life in mind—because your dreams deserve space to grow, even in the busiest seasons.
